The suicide bombers’ dastard attacks on innocent civilians in Gwoza local government area of Bornu state have reignited conversation over the resurgence of the deadly insurgency groups in the northeastern part of the country.
The attacks, which security experts have described as one of the deadliest and bloodiest in recent times, killed 32 people, up from 18 on Saturday, while more than 30 sustained varied degrees of injuries.
A Legacy of Terror
Boko Haram, which translates to “Western education is forbidden,” has wreaked havoc in Nigeria since 2009.
The group’s violent ideology and ruthless tactics have displaced millions and caused widespread devastation.
While significant progress has been made in recent years, with the group’s territorial control significantly reduced, these attacks demonstrate that Boko Haram, or splinter groups affiliated with them, still pose a significant threat
‘Ruptures and Fractures’
According to reports, the degrees of injuries from this latest attack range from abdominal ruptures to skull and limb fractures.
“In my presence, at about 3 pm, the first bomb blast in Gwoza occurred, detonated by a female suicide bomber in the midst of the marriage ceremony celebration,” Barkinado Saidu, Director-General of SEMA, recounted.
“It affected more than 30 persons with various levels of injuries and instant death. A few minutes later, another explosion took place near the General Hospital.
Despite the condemnation of the attacks by President Bola Tinubu and other global leaders, experts maintain that a thorough investigation is necessary following this deadly incident.
The presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, quoted the president as saying, “Purveyors of wanton violence shall have a certain encounter with justice, and that these cowardly attacks are only but an isolated episode.”
He added that the government is taking the necessary steps to protect citizens, emphasizing that it will double its efforts to ensure the complete removal of those who trouble the nation, dispatch precious lives, and disrupt law and order.
‘A serious concern’
Experts are concerned that if suicide bombings are not effectively addressed and prevented, they could escalate. They noted that the hardship in the land has made such a deadly adventure a tempting and irresistible endeavor for mischief and troublemakers, who will go to any length to spread tragedy and misfortunes.
“Suicide bombing poses a significant risk to the nation’s security challenges.” It is, to put it mildly, a significant distraction. Security expert Wale Adekunle asserted, “The resurgence of suicide bombing should be instructive. Rather than treating this as an isolated case and with child gloves, the government must deploy all available resources to forestall future attacks anywhere in the country.”
He added that those in power must make concerted and committed efforts to stem the tide before it spreads.
Another security expert, Abdul Shehu, believes that the return of suicide bombers may be a subtle way for the terrorists to tell the government that they are back. He argued that responding to such a message requires a stronger counter-message.
Pawns and puppets
The latest suicide bombing was carried out by females who disguised themselves as beggars at a wedding ceremony. “Those who witnessed the incident said she said she was a beggar with a girl child,” Musa Umar, a shop owner in the area, told newsmen, adding that the suicide bomber threw herself to the ground for the IED to explode.
Research published by a peer of Serwaa Allotey-Pappoe and Afua Agyeiwaa Lamptey examines the utilization of girls and women in suicide bomb attacks in northeastern Nigeria.
The paper argues for a more robust response by the state and its agencies, as well as a critical rethinking of societal systems that continue to foster the recourse to violence, suicide bombings, and terrorism. Experts also urge the government at all levels to remain vigilant in light of the recent suicide attacks on innocent people.
They say the Federal Government must not only address the immediate security threats but also tackle the underlying social and economic issues that enable extremism to flourish.
“Only through a comprehensive approach that combines security measures with investment in education, opportunity, and community engagement can Nigeria achieve lasting peace and stability.” Audu Bello, a security expert asserted.
